Newsquest Cumbria is holding a Recruitment Open Day on Wednesday, August 22 at our Carlisle Office, Dalston Road. If you have either a strong multimedia sales background, B2B sales experience or have recently graduated in marketing (or related degree) we would love to hear from you. Click here for more information.

Name: Nadene Gemson
Job title: Key Account Manager
Employer: Newsquest Cumbria
Age: 24
Where from: Workington
Live: Carlisle
Work: Newsquest Cumbria head office in Carlisle

How long have you done the job?
I started at Newsquest Cumbria April last year and though that time it has flown by, I certainly don’t feel like the new starter.

Take us through a typical day
A typical day doesn’t exist in media, each day is different. One day I could be up in Dumfries and the next I could be down in Gosforth. Within my role, I work with local businesses to find a solution to their marketing and advertising problems and this can vary from startups to international companies. Working with this mix of businesses has given me an insight into countless industries and each one requires a totally different approach. Being an account manager means I work closely with team members in every department of Newsquest Cumbria - from planning and printers through to creative, editorial and even the recruitment team.

What do you like most about your work?
My favourite thing is that it is so varied - every single day is different and there’s no time to get bored. I love talking to people, gathering information and helping them grow their business in the best possible way. An account manager's role is key when looking after customers and I love helping make their journey with us as smooth as possible.

What do you like least?
As I enjoy the field sales aspect of the job so much, being office-bound and completing admin from those sales can be a bit of a headache but it’s something you have to deal with as part of the job.

Why did you want to do this job?
Like a lot of people, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do when I left school. I decided to take an apprenticeship at a local website design company, where I learned a lot over the five years there as an account manager. When leaving there last year I wanted to expand my customer base and be out and about more in the field, meeting and talking to new customers.

What jobs have you done previously?
After finishing sixth form at Keswick School, I wasn’t sure which career path to take. I was certain I didn’t want to go to university, but I needed to find something local. I saw an advert for an apprentice account manager at a local website design company. This allowed me to use my skills in design and computing and enhanced my knowledge over the five years I worked there.

What qualifications or experience do you need in your position?
None! Knowledge and confidence are key.

What is a typical salary for your job?
The average salary for an account manager can vary depending on the business you are working for. Newsquest Cumbria has a generous bonus structure for achieving targets.

Any advice for people wanting to get into your profession?
Work hard, be enthusiastic and enjoy what you do. A job in sales can sometimes mean long days in a high-pressure environment but if you enjoy what you do and you care about the businesses that you work with, it is very rewarding.